On the weekend Pohnpei Public Library welcomed families to discuss the upcoming inclusive program. The interactive session was led by Children's Inclusive Librarian mentor David Maney.
The group discussed various supports that we can offer children with disabilities to make them feel that the library is a welcoming place. These include visual maps to set expectations and offer structure, and finding different ways of presenting new information, such as through games, song, sign language, drawing and puzzles.
(photo description: Two hands piece together a puzzle comparing equality and equity: on the left everyone stands on a box, but not everyone can see over the fence to watch the baseball game; on the right, the boxes are redistributed so that the people of various heights can see over the fence. They celebrate)
David led a discussion about the picture above, and why understanding language around disability is important to achieve our goals. As the group pieced together the puzzle, one parent commented that so often we spend so much time trying to match up the edges that we don't stop to look at the bigger picture. By offering extra support to those who need it we can create an equitable experience for people coming to the library. 
Families suggested they would like more people to attend this particular session. David said he would organize another session. Stay tuned.
Already scheduled sessions for families at the library include Autism Awareness (Saturday, September 5th @ 11am) and an Inclusive Story Hour to start in mid-September.
We thank volunteer David Maney and the families for contributing to quality conversations and furthering our inclusive practice here at Pohnpei Public Library.
